A Bowie State University student with high academic and leadership achievements was named one of 75 Historically Black College and University All-Stars to serve as an ambassador for the White House Initiative on HBCUs.

Symone Jordan, a senior biology major from Accokeek, Md., was selected by the initiative from 445 students who submitted applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. In recognizing their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement, this first class of HBCU All-Stars will provide outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

During the next year – through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations – the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. They will participate in regional events and web chats with Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines, as well as engage with other scholars to showcase the individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

In addition to being named an HBCU All-Star, Jordan is a recipient of a year-long National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship of up to $20,000 and a 2013-2014 Student Ambassador for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which provides scholarships and leadership opportunities for HBCU students.